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REGINA -- Michael Botterill went from relaxing in Belleville, Ont., to getting fired up for Riderville in the span of five days.

The veteran linebacker thought his playing career was done, so he was working on opening a lounge in his hometown.

But with a rash of injuries to Canadians, the Stampeders called him up last weekend to join the practice roster.

With veteran special-teamer Marc Calixte going down with a knee injury Tuesday, Botterill got the call as the replacement and he will suit up wearing No. 45 tonight to face the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

As a former Edmonton Eskimo, Botterill is familiar with the Riders.

"But this will be a new one, for sure," said the 29-year-old Botterill. "With the record these two teams have had, at least this season, they've been close games. It's going to be a fight. We're going to have to grind it out.

"I feel fortunate to be able to get the call and be part of this Grey Cup run."

Only in the CFL can someone come off the sidelines in the final week and possibly play a key role in a playoff run.

Stamps head coach John Hufnagel admitted the situation isn't ideal, but he's glad to have Botterill's experience on board.

"There is some concern, but not as much as if we were playing someone who hadn't played CFL football," Hufnagel said. "I was concerned about a special-teams player getting nicked and it happened. Mike was already here. He's excited about playing. He's a good athlete and he's done well in this league, so I expect good things from him."

Settlement Cohon's aim

CFL commissioner Mark Cohon released a statement yesterday saying talks with the CFL Players' Association are in the early stages and he is seeking a settlement that works for both parties.

The current CBA is set to expire before next season.

"We are now in the midst of the collective bargaining process," said Cohon. "It would be inappropriate to comment further on that process, except to say that our goal is a negotiated settlement that's in the best interests of our fans, our players, our member clubs, and our league."